Swift Allgrip
The Suzuki Swift has been a feature of the UK’s roads for over 40 years now, across six generations. Its popularity has never waned thanks to a blend of affordability, decent quality and fun; there’s even been a sport version which, until its recent sad demise, built a reputation of embarrassing cars with far heftier price tags.
The rise of the electric car has been tricky to translate to smaller models, with limited range and weight issues coming into play. Things are heating up, though, so cars like the Swift are fending off competition from all angles. This particular Swift has a bit of a trick up its sleeve, though, in the shape of Suzuki’s rather good Allgrip system providing drive to all four wheels.
1.2 litre, 80bhp, manual only
It’s the same engine as a regular Swift; a 1.2 litre, 3-cylinder mild hybrid affair producing 80bhp and you can only have it with their 5-speed manual box – the CVT isn’t an option which could actually be looked upon as a good thing.
How much is it?
It costs £22,049 which is exactly the same amount as the equivalent spec FWD Swift with a CVT ‘box. It’s a bit less economical than the FWD Swift (57.6 mpg vs 60.1 mpg) and it’s slightly slower (13.6s 0-62 mph vs 11.9s), so it kind of begs the question; why buy the Allgrip?
Why buy AWD?
Well, not only do you get the AWD system, the Allgrip Swift rides slightly higher than the FWD version so if you do happen to stray off the tarmac, there’s less chance of ripping your undercarriage off. But that’s not why we’d buy one. Despite the performance being, well, slow if we’re honest, the Swift Allgrip is a bit of a hoot to drive.
Even on wet surfaces the Allgrip system finds traction where a FWD car would possibly understeer. Let’s be perfectly clear here, at nearly 14 seconds 0-62 mph, the Swift Allgrip is no Impreza and performance is by no means its forte but once on the go it offers genuine, reassuring fun. Throw in the fact that it’s manual only and at a shade over a tonne, fairly light and it’s something of a breath of fresh air in today’s market of increasingly hefty electric offerings.
What’s it like inside?
Inside the Swift is plenty spacious for five adults, the infotainment system is clear and user-friendly and it’s bang up to date with safety equipment to comply with the most stringent regulations. Yes, that means there’s a fair bit of binging and bonging which, let’s be honest, we could all live without and at just 265 litres the boot isn’t the roomiest but this is a supermini, after all.
Manual only
We love the manual ‘box and we’re so glad the CVT isn’t even an option on the Swift Allgrip but the way it’s set up does mean motorway speeds can be a bit noisy. A longer fifth or even a sixth gear would’ve done away with this problem but if lots of motorway miles are a part of your routine you may need to look elsewhere.
As you’d probably expect, the Swift Allgrip is a mild hybrid, but it really is the mildest of hybrids. Because of this it doesn’t achieve stratospheric mpg figures and it really just acts in the background, helping out under acceleration and then recharging under braking. It’s actually so subtle that it adds to the overall effect of this being a good, ol’ fashioned petrol hatchback.
Should I buy Swift Allgrip?
The FWD Swift is a good car with fun handling characteristics and at under £20k it represents great value for money. If you do just need that extra reassurance on slippery surfaces and don’t fancy an SUV, the Swift Allgrip has got to be one to consider.
By Ben Harrington
2025 Suzuki Swift Ultra Allgrip Specifications:
Engine – 1.2l 3-cylinder petrol hybrid, Transmission – 5-speed manual, Layout – Front engine, AWD, Power – 80bhp,Torque – 112Nm, Emissions – 110g/km CO2, Economy – 57.6mpg combined, Maximum Speed – 99mph, Acceleration – 13.6s – 0-62mph, Price – £22,049 OTR
The Suzuki Swift is available now, priced from £19,699. For full details go to:www.cars.suzuki.co.uk
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